brat
/bˠɾˠɑt̪ˠ/masculine
The Irish word for cloak is brat or clóca.
Meaning: cape (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brat | /bˠɾˠɑt̪ˠ/ (Aran, Munster) /bˠɾˠat̪ˠ/ (Cois Fharraige) |
masculine |
| clóca | /ˈkl̪ˠoːkə/ /ˈklˠoːkə/ |
masculine |
Which one should you use?
While both words can mean cloak, brat often refers to a traditional, heavy woolen cloak or mantle used in historical or literary contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/bˠɾˠɑt̪ˠ/.
Did you know?
- The word clóca shares its origin with the word for a bell, because the garment's flared shape was thought to resemble one.
- In historical Irish society, the quality and weave of a brat could signal the wearer's social rank and wealth.
- While clóca is a direct loanword from English, the word brat is much older and rooted in the original Celtic languages.
Examples in context
- Tá brat iontach órga aici.She has a wonderful golden cloak.
- Bhí mé ag caitheamh mo chaíomh nuair a tháinig an stoirm.I was wearing my cloak when the storm arrived.
- Chuaigh sé amach sa sneachta gan a chaíomh.He went out in the snow without his cloak.
Example conversation
Conor and Aoife are getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- ConorAoife, an bhfuil do brat agat?Aoife, do you have your cloak?
- AoifeTá, tá sé anseo.Yes, it is here.
- ConorTóg an brat leat, tá sé fuar.Take the cloak with you, it is cold.
- AoifeGo raibh maith agat, a Chonaire.Thank you, Conor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cloak” translations and entries brat, clóca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brat, clóca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
